1 Samuel 20:22

22 But suppose I tell the boy, 'The arrows are far beyond you.' Then go. That will mean the LORD is sending you away.

1 Samuel 20:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:22

But if I say thus unto the young man, behold, the arrows [are]
beyond thee
Being shot to a greater distance than where the young man was:

go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee away;
then he was to depart directly, without staying to have any conversation with Jonathan, which would not be safe for either of them, and so make the best of his way into the country, and escape for his life; for so it was ordered by the providence of God, that he must not stay, but be gone immediately: the signals were these, that if things were favourable, then he would shoot his arrows on one side of the lad, and David might come out and show himself at once; but if not, he would shoot them beyond him, by which he might know that he must flee for his life.

1 Samuel 20:22 In-Context

20 Wait by it. "I'll shoot three arrows to one side of the stone. I'll pretend I'm practicing my shooting.
21 Then I'll send a boy out there. I'll tell him, 'Go and find the arrows.' Suppose I say to him, 'The arrows are on this side of you. Bring them here.' Then come. That will mean you are safe. You won't be in any danger. And that's just as sure as the LORD is alive.
22 But suppose I tell the boy, 'The arrows are far beyond you.' Then go. That will mean the LORD is sending you away.
23 "And remember what we talked about. Remember that the LORD is a witness between you and me forever."
24 So David hid in the field. When the time for the New Moon Feast came, the king sat down to eat.
Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.